Top 2023 Athletes who Braved the Top 250 Expo
It can be very intimidating for a freshman athlete to attend an event like the Top 250 Expo. Despite that, many came to compete and show their skills, despite their young age. And boy, did they impress! If it weren’t for the different color shirts, I wouldn’t have thought many of the athletes listed below were freshmen at all!
These young athletes showed up and played some great volleyball among some of the top athletes in the state. Check out which Class of 2023 athletes set the bar high!
Rylee Duessler – OH – Waterloo High School
Rylee has a fast and explosive approach that allows her to jump high and hit over many blocker’s hands. She can consistently paint the line which is incredibly hard to do. Her precise placement of the ball and huge approach make her an extremely effective outside hitter.
Samantha Fisch – MH – Luther Prep
Samantha was hustling at the Expo and has an insane amount of potential. She has a fast swing and is a solid blocker as well. She was efficient running plays and on a great set can pound the ball. Her ability to consistently hit to both the left and right is a huge asset as a middle.
Kya Gahiji – OH – Sheboygan North High School
Kya’s vertical was impressive. She used her approach efficiently and really has a great jump. She sees the court well, which will only develop as she gets more experience. Kya has a lot of potential and already plays well across the entire net.
Emily Honzelka Emily Honzelka 6'3" | MB Kettle Moraine Lutheran | 2023 State WI – MH – Kettle Moraine Lutheran
Emily is overflowing with potential. She has great form and a lot of power. She works hard and can really pound a ball! It was fun to watch Emily play at the Top 250 Expo and it will be great to see her throughout the club season. Emily is definitely an athlete to watch.
Paige Miller – DS/L – Kaukauna High School
Paige was one of the best communicators on the DS/L court. She covered the court incredibly well and picked up a lot of tough balls. No matter what court she was on or who she was playing with, Paige talked to her team, always confident and working with those surrounding her.
Ava Rank – DS/L – Kimberly High School
Ava was another big talker. She was comfortable controlling the back court and was impressive to watch step on the court. Ava’s hard work is evident and she is continuously learning while playing the game.
Rachel Rossing Rachel Rossing 5'9" | S Lake Country Lutheran | 2023 State WI – S – Lake Country Lutheran
Rachel is an athlete I have enjoyed watching the past few years. As a 14’s coach in the club world I often get to see players before they get into high school and this is the case for Rachel. She has great form and doesn’t always take the easy set which is impressive for an athlete as young as she is.
Sophia Schneider – S – Waterloo High School
Sophia is a setter I am excited to watch over the next few years. She has very soft hands and is incredibly smart. Sometimes the ball goes a little rogue but overall she is consistent and she has a ton of potential. She made a great showing at the Top 250 Expo and should only continue to impress throughout her club and high school seasons.
Sydney Schultz – S – Verona Area High School
Sydney has really great hands and form. She gets to the ball well. Her court awareness as a freshman is great, but watching that skill develop will take her skills to the next level. Sydney was impressive at the Top 250 Expo and should have a great club season ahead.
Taylor Tetzlaff Taylor Tetzlaff 6'0" | OH Kaukauna | 2023 State WI – OH – Kaukauna High School
Taylor was the first outside I noticed at the Expo. She has a ton of power, yet always seems in control. She uses her approach to its full advantage and works to better the ball on every touch. Taylor seems very competitive yet works well with whoever she is on the court with. I am excited to see her grow throughout the club season and her future high school seasons.
Maya Wegand – OH – Little Chute
Maya is an all-around athlete who is a great volleyball player as well. Her specialty is the cut shot which is incredibly effective. She is consistent at it but also has a lot of power on the swing as well. Her cross-court swing also brings in a lot of kills.
This group of 2023 athletes have a ridiculous amount of potential, especially for young athletes just starting their high school and recruiting careers.